The Most Important Issues

There are times when a phrase gets co-opted by political groups and the use of that phrase becomes a partisan issue any time it is uttered. I can't think of a situation more true than when people use the phrase "social justice". How have we gotten to a point where using those two words together is suddenly a hot button divisive statement between liberals and conservatives? Justice is justice, and it should not matter where it comes from or whose ideology it breathes out of. Proverbs 31:8-9 says "Speak out on behalf of the voiceless, and for the rights of all who are vulnerable. Speak out in order to judge with righteousness and to defend the needy and the poor."

Everyone knows of social issues, through personal experience or observation, where they see injustice in the world. Religious persecution, financial exploitation, child or elderly abuse and neglect, oppressive governments, the list goes on and on. There are also local, smaller scale injustices that permeate our local communities. Poverty, abuse, drug use, racism, and more . Over the coming weeks, I want to challenge you to prayerfully consider which social justice issues are closest to your heart. What should the church be doing locally and around the world to address these issues?

My goal is to discover twelve issues, once each month, that we as a church can focus on. Our focus will include drawing attention to the realities of the issue, building awareness about the issue, and discovering ways in which we can transform our lives and community to address the injustice wherever and however it exists in society. This work will be in addition to our mission focus each month and will often tie into that mission. I want to hear your voice regarding what issues are dearest to your heart. If you have a story to share, or feel your heart moved towards an issue we should focus on, please contact me and share.